We all know that taxes can put a pinch on our wallets. That’s why I’ve worked hard to help you keep
more of your hard earned money. In the past year we have accomplished goals from eliminating the
New York sales tax on clothing to finally putting a cap on local Medicaid costs.

With the winter season here and the high cost of heating our homes, I also wanted to inform you that
there is a program that helps pay for heating costs called the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Sincerely,
Michael R. Benedetto
Member of Assembly

Assemblyman Benedetto is fighting to make life less taxing

Benedetto has brought tax relief to New York City by:

providing a cap on local Medicaid costs and an accelerated takeover of the Family Health
Plus program, yielding New York City nearly $524 million by 2006 - savings Benedetto
believes should be invested in city schools

exempting clothing and footwear under $110 from New York City's 4 percent sales tax (Ch. 285 of 2005)

providing a two-week state sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear under $110 in the 2005
budget - The next sales tax-free week is January 30 - February 5

At any time, if you buy clothing or footwear in New York City valued under $110 you will not pay the city's 4
percent sales tax. However, you will still pay the state's 4 percent sales tax unless you purchase your items
during the sales tax-free week.

Save money on soaring energy bills

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) assists eligible households with grants from $40 to $400
a year to pay their heating bills.

A family of four earning less than $41,616 qualifies for the program. For eligibility requirements and a copy
of the application, contact HEAP at (800) 692-0557.